Taste Disorders in Acute Stroke

Abstract

Background and Purpose— The aim of the study was to assess whether and how frequently patients with acute first-ever stroke exhibit gustatory dysfunction. Methods— We performed a 1-year prospective observational study. Gustatory function was assessed using the standardized “taste strips” test. In addition, we assessed olfactory function, swallowing, stroke location, comorbidities, and the patients’ medication. Results— A total of 102 consecutive patients were enrolled (45 female, 57 male; mean age, 63 years); 31 of them (30%) exhibited gustatory loss and 7 (6%) had lateralized impairment of taste function. Predictors of impaired taste function were male gender ( P =0.003), high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission ( P =0.009), coexisting swallowing dysfunction ( P =0.026), and a stroke of partial anterior circulation subtype (PACS) ( P =0.008). In particular, in hypogeusic patients the lesion was most frequently localized in the frontal lobe ( P =0.009). Follow-up examinations in 14 patients indicated improvement of taste sensitivity. Conclusion— Taste disorders after stroke are frequent. A significant association was found for male gender, high NIHSS score, swallowing disorder, and PACS, particularly in the frontal lobe. Generally, taste disorders after stroke seem to have a good prognosis.